The Foundational Documents subseries is comprised of records documenting the formal establishment of the Koreshan Unity and its continuation from the late
nineteenth through the twentieth century. Arranged alphabetically by topic and then chronologically, the Foundational Documents include, but are not
limited to, annual reports, board of directors meeting files, by-laws, constitutions, and minutes. Of particular interest to researchers are the board of
director files and minutes. Both provide an understanding of the focus of Unity operations at each specific point in their history as well as the larger
shifts over the Unity's creation, expansion, maturation, and decline.

The Membership Records subseries includes applicant files, membership lists, and guest books. Multiple stages of membership existed for prospective
Koreshans. Initially, applicants entered a probationary period with the Unity in order to explore the lifestyle and determine his or her future level of
participation. The administrative documentation of the membership levels and related records are contained within this subseries.

The correspondence files are divided into two subgroups, the first arranged alphabetically by the creator's last and then first name, and the second
arranged alphabetically by topic. Although there is no indication of what the original order of these records might have been, the current arrangement
reflects the organizational scheme imposed by later Koreshan Unity administrators, who enclosed the correspondence in envelopes with titles indicating a
name or subject.

The correspondence subseries provides a sense of the administrative sphere of the Unity. It shows the wide range of contacts that the Unity had as well as
main areas of interest. Letters written by the Scientific and Geodetic Staff are of particular note. Responsible for the Koreshan Unity Geodetic Survey
that Koreshans believed provided proof of the Earth's concavity, Staff correspondence discusses progress and findings as they traveled and tested the
Rectilineator on Florida's Gulf Coast at Naples. Also of note are the various inquiry letters. While most pertain to Koreshan publishing efforts, these
inquiry files give a sense of frequently asked questions and concerns from both members and the outside community.

Organized by topic and then arranged either chronologically or alphabetically depending upon the nature of the record, the financial records document
accounting, general transactions, payroll, stock, and taxes. From the outset, the Koreshan Unity recognized the importance of maintaining their records.
The size and content of this subseries are testament to that role. The accounting records are arranged by year and consist mainly of Unity banking
documents and cumulative financial reports. The general transaction files are arranged by year and include bills, receipts and invoices. The payroll and
tax records are arranged by year and give a sense of the business aspects of the Unity. Of particular note are the stock files, which include agreements,
meeting notes, stock holder lists, correspondence, external stock investments, and bound stock volumes. Taken together, these records provide a
comprehensive view of the Unity as an American corporation.

Organized by topic and then arranged either chronologically or alphabetically depending upon the nature of the record, the legal records reflect court
cases, copyright, attorney fees, insurance, and last will and estate records. This subseries gives a good idea of the corporate side of the Unity. The
Koreshans dealt with many different business ventures, owned hundreds of acres of land, and maintained the health and wellbeing of Unity members. These and
other activities required legal action and documentation. The large amount of insurance papers and attorney fees are testament to this. Also, court case
files give a detailed view of the Koreshan Unity's legal conflicts. More than once, tension between former Koreshan Unity members culminated in a court
case. Often times issues of equal treatment and personal property fueled disputes. Issues of land ownership proved to be another contributing factor.

The Properties and Land Records are first organized by topic and then arranged either chronologically or alphabetically depending upon the nature of the
record. Topics reflect the nature of the record groupings found when the collection was in an unprocessed state and include: Abstract of Titles,
Appraisals, Bonita Beach, Buildings, Contracts, Correspondence, Deeds, Estero Island, Highway 41, Location Certificates, Maps, Mound Key, Mortgages, Post
Office, State Park, and Survey Records. Though most of the groups of records within this subseries are easily explained in name and function, two require
additional description.

Highway 41: While Highway 41 is state owned and operated, it runs right up against Unity property. Its presence, especially during the 1970s when the
Florida Department of Transportation wanted to either widen or re-direct the right of way, created discussions and arguments among all affected. This is
evident in the correspondence, injunctions, and newspaper files within the subseries.

State Park: In 1961, after years of collaboration, the Unity deeded approximately 300 acres to the State of Florida. This "Gift to the People," as Koreshan
President Hedwig Michel deemed it, aligned with Koreshanity's fundamental values of education, environmentalism, and preservation. The advancement,
correspondence, report, and tourist materials within this portion of the Properties and Land subseries provide insight to the development of the Koreshan
State Historic Site.

The Koreshan Store Records are arranged alphabetically by topic and include financial, inventory, license, and Riverview Inn papers. Together, these
records document the Koreshan Unity owned and operated store. The majority of this subseries is comprised of financial documents. General transaction and
sales tax records show much of what went into running a small privately owned store. Built in 1894, the store took advantage of its convenient location
close to the Estero River. Used primarily as a general store for customers in the area, it also housed a restaurant, the Riverview Inn, in the mid 20th
century.

The Trailer Park Division Records are arranged alphabetically by topic and include correspondence, financial records, and legal papers. Together, these
records document the Koreshan Unity owned trailer park, which operated from the 1940s to the 1980s. The majority of this subseries is comprised of
financial documents. Accounting, rent and general transaction records show much of what went into running a trailer park. The correspondence shows the
daily operations of the park as well as the main issues of the tenants and park managers.

The Pioneer Education Foundation Records are arranged alphabetically by topic. In 1972, the Unity incorporated the Pioneer Education Foundation in Florida,
a non-profit offshoot of the Koreshan Unity primarily dedicated to services promoting lifelong learning. The organization was also designed to oversee
remaining Koreshan property, stocks, and other holdings. The subseries documents the curriculum, lectures, and membership of the foundation. Of particular
importance are the Pioneer University files, a turn of the twentieth century version of the Pioneer Education Foundation. These papers show the level of
importance given to education by the early Koreshans.

Arranged alphabetically by topic, the subject files contain many different types of records. The majority of the subject files include processing and
research done both by Florida Gulf Coast University and various individuals. In the mid 2000s, FGCU conducted a project in order to better understand the
Koreshan Unity Papers. The main goal was to address and begin to remedy the disorganization of the collection. Beyond University related work, research
papers are also prevalent within the subject files. The papers each focus on a certain aspect of the Koreshan Unity's history.

Florida Memory is funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.